Second Chance: Staff Weighs In on Adoption

30 Apr Second Chance: Staff Weighs In on Adoption

My name is Blaze and I am a homeless dog here at Second Chance. Because no one seemed to want me, I was almost euthanized. Since I am now safe and Second Chance will help me to find a loving home, I want to address the concerns that prevent shelter pets like me from being adopted. I want to support the growing movement throughout the animal welfare industry to debunk the myths about shelter pets that keep people from adopting us. And, since I really like the staff here at Second Chance, I asked their opinion and below is what they shared.

Blaze

Ariel responded first: “Before gaining exposure to shelter pets, I thought animals came from pet stores, Walmart parking lots, my friend’s garage, and Petfinder. In my mind you never really knew what you were getting into when looking for a dog or cat. That was until I started working for a shelter and I now know adoption is the way to go! Call me biased if you want, but I have gained great insight on the benefits on adopting a shelter pet…”

Another staff member, Katie, mentioned the following: “Among the questions I get is ‘How do I know what I am getting in an animal I might adopt here?’ So I let people know that shelter pets have tons of interaction with staff, volunteers, and potential adopters, as well as training time. And all interactions and behavioral responses are recorded and communicated to the potential donors. We want everyone to make the best possible choice as to which pet is best for them.”

Jenny shared, “A line I hear frequently is that ‘They are here for a reason…’ Well yes, but not for the reasons you think. Many animals end up in shelters because someone is moving to housing that won’t allow pets, allergies, the owner can no longer afford the pet or does not have time to exercise them, the owners already have too many animals, etc.  In other words it is not the pet’s fault…”

“I have heard that many people believe shelter pets have behavioral issues or are unhealthy and will cost too much in medical care” commented April.  She continued, “Many don’t realize that when animals come into the shelter we examine and treat any illness or unusual findings. For example, when our sweet 10 week-old kitten Gemma arrived she was not feeling well. But we have been able to provide her the medical care needed to once again become the healthy vibrant kitten she always had the potential to be.” 

Gemma

Brittney added: “Our shelter animals also have the added benefit of being vaccinated, micro-chipped, and spay/neutered, saving adopters hundreds of dollars in expenses. When considering the cost of such expenses, vaccinations at $20-$40, spay and neuter at $100-$300, and a microchip for $50-$80, adoptions are a sweet deal!” “There is also benefit in just knowing you are giving an animal a second chance and saving a life!” chimed in April.

So keep in mind that many shelter pets’ stories are similar to me, Blaze. I was discarded (or lost and not provided with a micro-chip or collar to help me get back home). It was not my fault and I am a super awesome dog who loves to run, play and cuddle with people. I’d make a great hiking or running buddy and I just want a chance to be somebody’s best friend.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff & friend

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)